Stanisland Magazine

Fede Alvarez is filming a sequel to his unfortunate fan fiction-like movie

Last updated: 6th June 2025

Get this man a coffee! After the mess that is Alien: Romulus, Fede Alvarez is drunk if he thinks he can execute a competent Xenomorph movie.  

From the fan service to the lack of originality, the tone, and absence of horror or suspense, it’s a shell of its former self. There’s little chance we will see a return to the horror franchise’s roots. His iteration of the story aligns more so with the problematic AVP movies, and the only people who can see this are the ones who can truly understand them.

20th Century Fox believe they have revitalised their brand, at least that’s according to The Hollywood Reporter. In an interview with the long standing outlet, the president of the Disney division, Steve Asbell, believes that after a successful summer of movies they are on track to redraw the movie industry power list. But wait until you get a load of what they see as a victory.

Remakes Are The Product Now, Not The Film

In the article, he cites Alien: Romulus, The First Omen and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (wow what a mouthful), as reasons to be cheerful. We are getting a volley of remakes thanks to a ridiculous nostalgic yearning for the past. Newsflash, Steve: you have to actually make these movies good.

And if that wasn’t enough, he further admitted they’re creatively redundant by confidently claiming they are going to produce more remakes and continuations, including a Master & Commander prequel, more Alien Vs Predator projects (plural, sigh), Die Hard and another bout of terrible Agatha Christie and Avatar movies.

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Who on earth is asking for these films? I mean, what is your deal? Do you just wake up one morning and think, “I really enjoy subpar, fan fiction films”? It feels like the studio have a team of their ‘top talent’ (ha!) repeating the motto, ‘I am fierce. I am an incredible producer and marketer of terrible cinema.’

Everything That Went Wrong with Alien: Romulus and Why It Disappointed Viewers

Its entire premise was built on a stratospheric recipe to recreate its past. We witness inexperienced characters make short work of the universe’s so-called most terrifying life form. However, in Aliens, we witness highly trained marines struggle to contain a population of Xenomorphs. There’s a lack of character building that essentially retcons the formidable threat these creatures present.

The tonality of the cinematography, acting, and low-skilled screenplay essentially degrades the project, allowing it to descend into a melting pot of Disney cash grabs. Oh wait, that’s their parent company, right? Those who rate this movie a ten out of ten are simply kidding themselves. There is no adherence to lore, no suspense, and no horror or atmosphere that aligns with its predecessors. If you comb through forums, you’ll find the critical skills of those who enjoyed this movie often praising Aliens vs Predator as a commendable feature. I mean, come on!

There is nothing you can say to convince me that this film was a good piece of cinema. It failed on multiple fronts; its repeated use of lines from its forebears (something reserved for cheesy off-brand IPs), Ian Holm (each movie had a new android), the terrible execution of the zero-gravity scene, fan service, and so much more. Is it too hard to ask for something original? Or even an adaptation of quality? Give these directors the time they deserve, and isolate Ridley Scott; he has his fingers all over this movie, and his recent track record is an admission that he needs to step aside.

We Don’t Need More Reboots or Sequels

Don’t listen to those who say ‘everything was better in the 90s’, because it wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Taking photographs on or preferring an analogue camera does not translate to the big screen.

Movies of the past were good for a reason: directors were given the time needed to execute their projects, CGI was used sparingly and with balance, stunt professionals were employed more frequently, exceptional screenplays were crafted along with dedication to the study of composition and cinematography. Set design was important, and above all remaining faithful to the characters. Attention to detail was a core component.

No matter what they say, nostalgia is their product, and they’re taking advantage of the trend for a desire for the 90s aesthetic, whether audiences want to admit it or not.

Photo credit: NECA Toys